Imaging camera driving module and electronic device

ABSTRACT

An imaging camera driving module includes a lens unit, a driving mechanism, a sensing mechanism and an image surface. At least a part of the driving mechanism is coupled to the lens unit to drive the lens unit to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The sensing mechanism includes sensing magnets fixed to the lens unit and sensing elements not facing the driving mechanism. The sensing elements are disposed on an image side of the imaging lens assembly of the lens unit and corresponding to the sensing magnets. The sensing elements are configured to detect a relative position of the sensing magnets. The image surface is disposed on the image side of the imaging lens assembly, and the optical axis passes through the image surface. The sensing mechanism is configured to detect a tilt of the optical axis with respect to the central axis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/931,331, filed on Jul. 16, 2020, which claimspriority to Taiwan Application 109117093, filed on May 22, 2020, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an imaging camera driving module andan electronic device, more particularly to an imaging camera drivingmodule applicable to an electronic device.

Description of Related Art

With the development of semiconductor manufacturing technology, theperformance of image sensors has been improved, and the pixel sizethereof has been scaled down. Therefore, featuring high image qualitybecomes one of the indispensable features of an optical system nowadays.Furthermore, due to the rapid changes in technology, electronic devicesequipped with optical systems are trending towards multi-functionalityfor various applications, and therefore the functionality requirementsfor the optical systems have been increasing.

In general, a lens unit can be driven to move by a lens driving deviceto automatically focus on objects. However, when the lens unit tilts,there would be a focus shift between an optimal imaging position of animaging lens assembly of the lens unit and an image surface where animage sensor located, resulting in poor peripheral image quality. Forexample, please refer to FIG. 1 , which shows a schematic view of aconventional lens unit LS having a focus shift between an optimalimaging position BP thereof and an image surface IM when the lens unitLS is inclined relative to the image surface IM. As shown in themodulation transfer function (MTF) distribution diagram of FIG. 1 , thelens unit LS tilts such that the flange back positions of the meridionalmarginal rays MR are different from that of the chief ray CR. As aresult, a particular region of the image (e.g., region near the centerof the image) would be clear and legible with high resolution, butregions of the image far away from the particular region (e.g.,peripheral region of the image) would be blurry due to poor resolution.For instance, when an object having a noticeable contour between blackand white at its periphery is imaged by a lens unit with focus shift,the noticeable contour would be a gradient gray boundary in a generatedimage of the lens unit, causing the contour difficult to determine andthus generating a blurry image.

Conventionally, in order to solve the problem that the periphery ofimages becomes blurry due to the lens unit tilting, an image contrastexamination is performed, and a tilt of the lens unit can be obtainedaccording to the results of the examination followed by aberrationcompensations and corrections. As such, the periphery of images is clearand legible. For example, please refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , which showschematic views of a determination process of a conventional imagecontrast examination. As shown in FIG. 2 , several image fractionsF1-F12 are sampled from the center to the periphery of an originalimage, and FIG. 3 only shows those fractions F1-F12. Then, detect thecontrast of each of the fractions F1-F12 and categorize them intodeterminable samples and indeterminable samples as shown in FIG. 4 .Lastly, analyze those indeterminable samples (e.g., the fractions F9-F12in FIG. 4 ) and thus determine causes of blurry peripheral image, suchas lens unit tilting or assembly error, according to the analysisresults.

However, the method of indirectly obtaining a tilt of a lens unit byanalyzing generated images may have larger errors and thus may result inmisjudgment. Accordingly, how to improve the configuration of the lensunit so as to accurately obtain a tilt of the lens unit is an importanttopic in the field nowadays.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging cameradriving module includes a lens unit, a driving mechanism, a sensingmechanism and an image surface. The lens unit includes an imaging lensassembly, and the imaging lens assembly has an optical axis. At least apart of the driving mechanism is coupled to the lens unit so as to drivethe lens unit to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis. Thesensing mechanism includes a plurality of sensing magnets and aplurality of sensing elements. The sensing magnets are fixed to the lensunit, and at least a part of the lens unit is located between thesensing magnets and the driving mechanism, and the sensing magnets areblocked by the lens unit from facing the driving mechanism. The sensingelements are disposed on an image side of the imaging lens assembly.Each of the sensing elements is disposed corresponding to one of thesensing magnets, and each of the sensing elements is configured todetect a relative position of the sensing magnet corresponding thereto.The image surface has a central axis. The image surface is disposed onthe image side of the imaging lens assembly, and the optical axis of theimaging lens assembly passes through the image surface. The sensingmechanism is configured to detect a tilt of the optical axis of theimaging lens assembly with respect to the central axis of the imagesurface.

When a minimum distance in parallel with the central axis from one ofthe sensing magnets to the sensing element corresponding thereto is Da,the following condition is satisfied:

0 mm≤Da≤0.93 mm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice includes the aforementioned imaging camera driving module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood by reading the followingdetailed description of the embodiments, with reference made to theaccompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional lens unit having a focusshift between an optimal imaging position thereof and an image surfacewhen the lens unit is inclined relative to the image surface;

FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 are schematic views of a determination process of aconventional image contrast examination;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an image capturing unit according to the1st embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the image capturing unit in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is another exploded view of the image capturing unit in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an imaging camera driving module, animage sensor and a base of the image capturing unit in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera drivingmodule, image sensor and base along line A-A′ in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera drivingmodule, image sensor and base along line B-B′ in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit along lineC-C′ in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit along lineD-D′ in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging camera driving modulebeing inclined with respect to the image sensor and the base in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an image capturing unit according tothe 2nd embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the image capturing unit in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is another exploded view of the image capturing unit in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an imaging camera driving module, animage sensor and a base of the image capturing unit in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera drivingmodule, image sensor and base along line E-E′ in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera drivingmodule, image sensor and base along line F-F′ in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit along lineG-G′ in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit along lineH-H′ in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging camera driving modulebeing inclined with respect to the image sensor and the base in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an image capturing unit according tothe 3rd embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another image capturing unit accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of still another image capturing unitaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is one perspective view of an electronic device according to the4th embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the electronic device in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of the electronic device in FIG. 26 ; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another electronic device according toone embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent,however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

The present disclosure provides an imaging camera driving module, andthe imaging camera driving module includes a lens unit, a drivingmechanism, a sensing mechanism and an image surface. The lens unitincludes an imaging lens assembly, and the imaging lens assembly has anoptical axis. The image surface is disposed on an image side of theimaging lens assembly, and the image surface has a central axis. Theoptical axis of the imaging lens assembly passes through the imagesurface. At least a part of the driving mechanism is coupled to the lensunit, and the driving mechanism is configured to drive the lens unit tomove in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

The sensing mechanism includes a plurality of sensing magnets and aplurality of sensing elements. The sensing magnets are fixed to the lensunit. Therefore, it is favorable for reducing the distance between thesensing magnets and the imaging lens assembly so as to reduce thesensing error of the sensing magnets and improve the space utilizationof the imaging camera driving module. Moreover, at least a part of thelens unit is located between the sensing magnets and the drivingmechanism, and the sensing magnets are blocked by the at least a part ofthe lens unit from facing the driving mechanism. Therefore, it isfavorable for preventing the magnetic fields of the sensing mechanismand the driving mechanism from interfering with each other. Moreover,the number of the sensing magnets can be two to four, but the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. In some configurations, the number ofthe sensing magnets can be five or more.

The sensing elements are disposed on the image side of the imaging lensassembly. The sensing elements are respectively disposed correspondingto the sensing magnets, and each of the sensing elements is configuredto detect a relative position of the sensing magnet correspondingthereto. Moreover, there is an air gap between the sensing magnet andthe sensing element corresponding thereto.

The sensing mechanism is configured to detect a tilt of the optical axisof the imaging lens assembly with respect to the central axis of theimage surface so as to obtain a tilt of the lens unit. Therefore, it isfavorable for analyzing the blurry areas of an image and then improvingimage quality by changing the capturing area of the image sensor andoptimizing the image with additional processes. Moreover, the tilt ofthe lens unit can be, for example, a tilt of a connection line of atleast two sensing magnets located on opposite sides of the lens unitwith respect to the central axis, wherein the connection line intersectsthe optical axis. The configuration of the sensing mechanism as providedin the embodiments of the present disclosure for sensing the tilt of thelens unit can also be applied to imaging camera driving modules usingsuspension wires.

When a minimum distance in parallel with the central axis from one ofthe sensing magnets to the sensing element corresponding thereto is Da,the following condition is satisfied: 0 mm≤Da≤0.93 mm. Therefore, it isfavorable for further restricting the minimum distance between thesensing magnet and the sensing element within in an optimal workingrange of the sensing element. Moreover, the following condition can alsobe satisfied: 0 mm≤Da≤0.5 mm. Please refer to FIG. 13 , which shows aschematic view of Da according to the 1st embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The imaging lens assembly can include a plurality of optical lenselements, and the plurality of optical lens elements include amaximum-diameter lens element. An outer diameter of the maximum-diameterlens element is larger than outer diameters of the other optical lenselements. When the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens elementis ϕD, the following condition can be satisfied: 6 mm<ϕD<20 mm.Therefore, the outer diameter range can correspond to the imaging lensassembly of high resolution, and it is favorable for improving imagequality. Please refer to FIG. 11 , which shows a schematic view of ϕDaccording to the 1st embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some configurations, the number of the sensing magnets is two. Whenthe outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element is ϕD, and aminimum distance between the two sensing magnets is d, the followingcondition can be satisfied: ϕD<d. Therefore, it is favorable for thesensing mechanism to be properly arranged for better sensing efficiency.The minimum distance between the two sensing magnets refers to a lineardistance between the two sensing magnets in a direction perpendicular toand intersecting the optical axis. Moreover, the following condition canalso be satisfied: 0.05 mm<(d−ϕD)/2<1.0 mm. Therefore, it is favorablefor preventing assembly deformation caused by overly thin walls at theedges of the lens unit so as to improve the assembling yield rate.Moreover, the following condition can also be satisfied: 0.05mm≤(d−ϕD)/2≤0.8 mm. Therefore, the thickness of walls at the edges ofthe lens unit designed within the predetermined range is favorable forimproving space utilization in the imaging camera driving module whileensuring the assembling yield rate. Please refer to FIG. 11 , whichshows a schematic view of ϕD and d according to the 1st embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

The sensing magnets can respectively overlap the sensing elements in adirection parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, the sensing elementsare spatially configured for effective detection so as to ensure thesensing performance of the sensing mechanism. Please refer to FIG. 9 ,which shows the sensing magnets 171 respectively overlapping the sensingelements 173 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OL according tothe 1st embodiment of the present disclosure.

The driving mechanism can include at least one driving magnet and atleast one coil disposed corresponding to each other. One of the drivingmagnet and the coil is coupled to the lens unit. The driving mechanismdrives the lens unit to move in the direction parallel to the opticalaxis by a driving force generated by an electromagnetic interactionbetween the driving magnet and the coil. Therefore, it is favorable forobtaining a proper space arrangement of the driving mechanism so as tooptimize the driving efficiency of the electromagnetic force. Saiddriving force is the Lorentz force generated by an electromagneticinteraction between the driving magnet and the coil.

In some configurations, the sensing magnets and the at least one coilcan be alternatively disposed in a circumferential direction about theoptical axis. Therefore, the sensing mechanism and the driving mechanismcan be properly arranged in the imaging camera driving module so as tobe applicable to various structural designs, thus reducing design andmanufacturing costs. Please refer to FIG. 8 , which shows the sensingmagnets 171 and the coils 163 being alternatively disposed in acircumferential direction about the optical axis OL according to the 1stembodiment of the present disclosure.

In some configurations, the sensing magnets can overlap the coil in adirection parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, the coil can be woundon the lens unit in many manners, which is favorable for increasingdesign flexibility of assembly stations, thus increasing manufacturingyield rate. It is noted that the foregoing is only intended to describethe spatial arrangement of the sensing magnets and the coil, and it doesnot conflict with the features of “the sensing magnets being blocked bya part of the lens unit from facing the driving mechanism” as describedabove. Please refer to FIG. 20 , which shows the sensing magnets 371respectively overlapping the coil 363 in a direction parallel to theoptical axis OL according to the 2nd embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

When a height in parallel with the central axis of each of the sensingelements is h, the following condition can be satisfied: 0.01 mm<h<0.9mm. Therefore, it is favorable for increasing the feasibility ofminiaturizing the imaging camera driving module. Please refer to FIG. 11, which shows a schematic view of h according to the 1st embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

When the minimum distance in parallel with the central axis from each ofthe sensing magnets to the sensing element corresponding thereto is Da,and the height in parallel with the central axis of each of the sensingelements is h, the following condition can be satisfied: 0.01<Da/h≤4.0.Therefore, it is favorable for defining the tilt range of the lens unitthat can be detected by the sensing elements so as to ensure sensingefficiency of the sensing mechanism.

A shape of one side of the lens unit facing toward the image side can bepolygonal. Therefore, it is favorable for the lens unit to collaboratewith driving mechanisms of more complex structure and reducing timecosts of assembling automatic machines. Said polygonal can bequadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal, and the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto.

The side of the lens unit facing toward the image side can bepolygon-shaped with chamfered corners. Therefore, it is favorable formaintaining product quality of high precision and increasing productdesign flexibility.

The lens unit can have at least two gate traces, and the gate traces arelocated at the chamfered corners. Therefore, it is favorable forensuring that the cutting surfaces of the gate traces do not interferewith other mechanisms. The number of the gate traces can be at leastthree, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In someconfigurations, the number of the gate traces can be at least four.

According to the present disclosure, the aforementioned features andconditions can be utilized in numerous combinations so as to achievecorresponding effects.

According to the above description of the present disclosure, thefollowing specific embodiments are provided for further explanation.

1st Embodiment

Please refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 13 , where FIG. 5 is a perspective viewof an image capturing unit according to the 1st embodiment of thepresent disclosure, FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the image capturingunit in FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 is another exploded view of the image capturingunit in FIG. 5 , FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an imaging cameradriving module, an image sensor and a base of the image capturing unitin FIG. 5 , FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging cameradriving module, image sensor and base along line A-A′ in FIG. 8 , FIG.10 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera driving module,image sensor and base along line B-B′ in FIG. 8 , FIG. 11 is across-sectional view of the image capturing unit along line C-C′ in FIG.5 , FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit alongline D-D′ in FIG. 5 , and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of theimaging camera driving module being inclined with respect to the imagesensor and the base in FIG. 8 .

In this embodiment, the image capturing unit includes an imaging cameradriving module 1, a base 91, a casing 92 and an image sensor 93. Theimaging camera driving module 1 includes a lens unit 13, an upper flatspring 14, two lower flat springs 15, a driving mechanism 16, a sensingmechanism 17 and an image surface 18.

The casing 92 is disposed on the base 91, and the lens unit 13 ismovably disposed between the casing 92 and the base 91 via the upperflat spring 14 and the lower flat springs 15. Specifically, each of theupper flat spring 14 and the lower flat springs 15 includes an innerfixed part, an outer fixed part, and an elastic part connected to andlocated between the inner fixed part and the outer fixed part (theirreference numerals are omitted). The inner fixed part of the upper flatspring 14 is fixed to the lens unit 13, and the outer fixed part of theupper flat spring 14 is fixed to the inside of the casing 92, so thatthe lens unit 13 is movable relative to the casing 92. Also, the innerfixed part of each lower flat spring 15 is fixed to the lens unit 13,and the outer fixed part of each lower flat spring 15 is fixed to thebase 91, so that the lens unit 13 is movable relative to the base 91.

The lens unit 13 includes an imaging lens assembly 130 and a barrel 135for holding the imaging lens assembly 130. The imaging lens assembly 130has an optical axis OL, and the imaging lens assembly 130 includes aplurality of optical lens elements 131. The optical lens elements 131include a maximum-diameter lens element 131 a, and an outer diameter ofthe maximum-diameter lens element 131 a is larger than outer diametersof the other optical lens elements 131 b.

The image surface 18 is located on an image side of the imaging lensassembly 130, and the image surface 18 has a central axis CL in parallelwith its normal line and passing through the geometric center thereof.The optical axis OL of the imaging lens assembly 130 passes through theimage surface 18. The image sensor 93 is disposed on the base 91 andlocated on or near the image surface 18. In this embodiment, themaximum-diameter lens element 131 a is closer to the image surface 18than the other optical lens elements 131 b to the image surface 18.

A shape of one side of the lens unit 13 facing toward the image side isoctagonal, and the barrel 135 of the lens unit 13 is polygon-shaped withfour chamfered corners 132. In addition, the lens unit 13 has four gatetraces 133 respectively located at the four chamfered corners 132.

The driving mechanism 16 includes two driving magnets 161 and two coils163. The driving magnets 161 are respectively fixed to two oppositesides of the base 91, the coils 163 are respectively coupled to twoopposite sides of the barrel 135 of the lens unit 13, and the drivingmagnets 161 are respectively disposed corresponding to the coils 163.Therefore, a driving force can be generated by an electromagneticinteraction between the driving magnets 161 and the coils 163 to drivethe lens unit 13 to move in a direction in parallel with the opticalaxis OL. In this embodiment, the two groups of corresponding drivingmagnet 161 and coil 163 of the driving mechanism 16 are respectivelydisposed on two opposite sides of the lens unit 13 to together generatea resultant force in the direction in parallel with the optical axis OLapplied on the lens unit 13 so as to drive the lens unit 13 to move inthe direction in parallel with the optical axis OL.

The sensing mechanism 17 includes two sensing magnets 171 and twosensing elements 173. The sensing magnets 171 are fixed to the barrel135 of the lens unit 13, and the sensing magnets 171 and the coils 163are alternatively disposed in a circumferential direction about theoptical axis OL. The sensing elements 173 are disposed on the image sideof the imaging lens assembly 130 and fixed to the base 91. The sensingelements 173 are respectively disposed corresponding to the sensingmagnets 171, and there is an air gap formed between the sensing magnet171 and the corresponding sensing element 173. Each of the sensingelements 173 is configured to detect a relative position of the sensingmagnet 171 corresponding thereto.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the optical axis OL of the imaging lensassembly 130 is at an angle relative to the central axis CL of the imagesurface 18, the imaging camera driving module 1 can detect a tilt of theoptical axis OL with respect to the central axis CL by the sensingmechanism 17 and thereby obtain a tilt of the lens unit 13. Moreover,the tilt of the lens unit 13 can be obtained by detecting a tilt of aconnection line of the two sensing magnets 171 intersecting the opticalaxis OL with respect to the central axis CL.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , the outer fixed part of theupper flat spring 14 is clamped and fixed between the casing 92 and thedriving magnets 161.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , the sensing magnets171 are disposed in accommodation grooves 1351 of the barrel 135, atleast a part of the barrel 135 is located between the sensing magnets171 and the driving mechanism 16, and the sensing magnets 171 areblocked by the barrel 135 from facing the driving mechanism 16.

In this embodiment, the sensing magnets 171 respectively overlap thesensing elements 173 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OL.

A minimum distance in parallel with the central axis CL from one of thesensing magnets 171 to the sensing element 173 corresponding thereto isDa. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the optical axis OLof the imaging lens assembly 130 is at an angle relative to the centralaxis CL of the image surface 18, the following conditions are satisfiedat two opposite sides of the image capturing unit, respectively: Da=0.28mm; and Da=0.86 mm.

When the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element 131 a isϕD, the following condition is satisfied: ϕD=5.45 mm.

When a minimum distance between the two sensing magnets 171 is d, thefollowing condition is satisfied: d=6.07 mm.

When the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element 131 a isϕD, and the minimum distance between the two sensing magnets 171 is d,the following conditions are satisfied: ϕD<d; and (d−ϕD)/2=0.31 mm.

When a height in parallel with the central axis CL of each of thesensing elements 173 is h, the following condition is satisfied: h=0.3mm.

The minimum distance in parallel with the central axis CL from one ofthe sensing magnets 171 to the sensing element 173 corresponding theretois Da, and the height in parallel with the central axis CL of each ofthe sensing elements 173 is h. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 ,when the optical axis OL of the imaging lens assembly 130 is at an anglerelative to the central axis CL of the image surface 18, the followingconditions are satisfied at two opposite sides of the image capturingunit, respectively: Da/h=0.93; and Da/h=2.87.

2nd Embodiment

Please refer to FIG. 14 to FIG. 22 , where FIG. 14 is a perspective viewof an image capturing unit according to the 2nd embodiment of thepresent disclosure, FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the image capturingunit in FIG. 14 , FIG. 16 is another exploded view of the imagecapturing unit in FIG. 14 , FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an imagingcamera driving module, an image sensor and a base of the image capturingunit in FIG. 14 , FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the sectioned imagingcamera driving module, image sensor and base along line E-E′ in FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the sectioned imaging camera drivingmodule, image sensor and base along line F-F′ in FIG. 17 , FIG. 20 is across-sectional view of the image capturing unit along line G-G′ in FIG.14 , FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the image capturing unit alongline H-H′ in FIG. 14 , and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of theimaging camera driving module being inclined with respect to the imagesensor and the base in FIG. 17 .

In this embodiment, the image capturing unit includes an imaging cameradriving module 3, a base 81, a casing 82 and an image sensor 83. Theimaging camera driving module 3 includes a lens unit 33, an upper flatspring 34, two lower flat springs 35, a driving mechanism 36, a sensingmechanism 37 and an image surface 38.

The casing 82 is disposed on the base 81, and the lens unit 33 ismovably disposed between the casing 82 and the base 81 via the upperflat spring 34 and the lower flat springs 35. Specifically, each of theupper flat spring 34 and the lower flat springs 35 includes an innerfixed part, an outer fixed part, and an elastic part connected to andlocated between the inner fixed part and the outer fixed part (theirreference numerals are omitted). The inner fixed part of the upper flatspring 34 is fixed to the lens unit 33, and the outer fixed part of theupper flat spring 34 is fixed to the inside of the casing 82, so thatthe lens unit 33 is movable relative to the casing 82. Also, the innerfixed part of each lower flat spring 35 is fixed to the lens unit 33 andthe outer fixed part of each lower flat spring 35 is fixed to the base81, so that the lens unit 33 is movable relative to the base 81.

The lens unit 33 includes an imaging lens assembly 330 and a barrel 335for holding the imaging lens assembly 330. The imaging lens assembly 330has an optical axis OL, and the imaging lens assembly 330 includes aplurality of optical lens elements 331. The optical lens elements 331include a maximum-diameter lens element 331 a, and an outer diameter ofthe maximum-diameter lens element 331 a is larger than outer diametersof the other optical lens elements 331 b.

The image surface 38 is located on an image side of the imaging lensassembly 330, and the image surface 38 has a central axis CL in parallelwith its normal line and passing through the geometric center thereof.The optical axis OL of the imaging lens assembly 330 passes through theimage surface 38. The image sensor 83 is disposed on the base 81 andlocated on or near the image surface 38. In this embodiment, themaximum-diameter lens element 331 a is closer to the image surface 38than the other optical lens elements 331 b to the image surface 38.

A shape of one side of the lens unit 33 facing toward the image side isoctagonal, and the barrel 335 of the lens unit 33 is polygon-shaped withfour chamfered corners 332. In addition, the lens unit 33 has four gatetraces 333 respectively located at the four chamfered corners 332.

The driving mechanism 36 includes four driving magnets 361 and a coil363. The driving magnets 361 are fixed to the upper flat spring 34 andtogether surround the lens unit 33, and the coil 363 is an annular coilsurrounding and coupled to the barrel 335 of the lens unit 33. Thedriving magnets 361 are disposed corresponding to the coil 363, and thedriving magnets 361 overlap the coil 363 in a direction perpendicular toand intersecting the optical axis OL. Therefore, a driving force can begenerated by an electromagnetic interaction between the driving magnets361 and the coils 363 to drive the lens unit 33 to move in a directionin parallel with the optical axis OL. In this embodiment, the fourdriving magnets 361 of the driving mechanism 36 are evenly distributedaround the lens unit 33 to together generate a resultant force in thedirection in parallel with the optical axis OL applied on the lens unit33 so as to drive the lens unit 33 to move in the direction in parallelwith the optical axis OL.

The sensing mechanism 37 includes two sensing magnets 371 and twosensing elements 373. The sensing magnets 371 are fixed to the barrel335 of the lens unit 33, and the sensing elements 373 are disposed onthe image side of the imaging lens assembly 330 and fixed to the base81. The sensing elements 373 are respectively disposed corresponding tothe sensing magnets 371, and there is an air gap formed between thesensing magnet 371 and the corresponding sensing element 373. Each ofthe sensing elements 373 is configured to detect a relative position ofthe sensing magnet corresponding thereto.

As shown in FIG. 22 , when the optical axis OL of the imaging lensassembly 330 is at an angle relative to the central axis CL of the imagesurface 38, the imaging camera driving module 3 can detect a tilt of theoptical axis OL with respect to the central axis CL by the sensingmechanism 37 and thereby obtain a tilt of the lens unit 33. Moreover,the tilt of the lens unit 33 can be obtained by detecting a tilt of aconnection line of the two sensing magnets 371 intersecting the opticalaxis OL with respect to the central axis CL.

In this embodiment, the outer fixed part of the upper flat spring 34 canbe, for example, clamped and fixed between the casing 82 and the drivingmagnets 361.

In this embodiment, the sensing magnets 371 are disposed inaccommodation grooves 3351 of the barrel 335, at least a part of thebarrel 335 is located between the sensing magnets 371 and the drivingmechanism 36, and the sensing magnets 371 are blocked by the barrel 335from facing the driving mechanism 36.

In this embodiment, the sensing magnets 371 respectively overlap thesensing elements 373 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OL, andthe sensing magnets 371 overlap the coil 363 in the direction parallelto the optical axis OL.

A minimum distance in parallel with the central axis CL from one of thesensing magnets 371 to the sensing element 373 corresponding thereto isDa. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 , when the optical axis OLof the imaging lens assembly 330 is at an angle relative to the centralaxis CL of the image surface 38, the following conditions are satisfiedat two opposite sides of the image capturing unit, respectively: Da=0.12mm; and Da=0.40 mm.

When the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element 331 a isϕD, the following condition is satisfied: ϕD=4.5 mm.

When a minimum distance between the two sensing magnets 371 is d, thefollowing condition is satisfied: d=4.87 mm.

When the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element 331 a isϕD, and the minimum distance between the two sensing magnets 371 is d,the following conditions are satisfied: ϕD<d; and (d−ϕD)/2=0.19 mm.

When a height in parallel with the central axis CL of each of thesensing elements 373 is h, the following condition is satisfied: h=0.3mm.

The minimum distance in parallel with the central axis CL from one ofthe sensing magnets 371 to the sensing element 373 corresponding theretois Da, and the height in parallel with the central axis CL of each ofthe sensing elements 373 is h. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 ,when the optical axis OL of the imaging lens assembly 330 is at an anglerelative to the central axis CL of the image surface 38, the followingconditions are satisfied at two opposite sides of the image capturingunit, respectively: Da/h=0.40; and Da/h=1.33.

3rd Embodiment

Please refer to FIG. 23 , which is a perspective view of an imagecapturing unit according to the 3rd embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, an image capturing unit 70 is a cameramodule including the imaging camera driving module 1 disclosed in the1st embodiment, an image sensor 73 and an image stabilizer 74. However,in other configurations, the image capturing unit 70 may include theimaging camera driving module 3 disclosed in the 2nd embodiment, and thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. The imaging light convergesin the lens unit 13 of the imaging camera driving module 1 to generatean image with the driving mechanism 16 utilized for image focusing onthe image surface 18 and the image sensor 73, and the generated image isthen digitally transmitted to other electronic component for furtherprocessing.

The driving mechanism 16 is favorable for obtaining a better imagingposition of the lens unit 13, so that a clear and sharp image of theimaged object can be captured by the lens unit 13 in different objectdistances. In addition, the image capturing unit 70 can be provided withthe image sensor 73 (for example, CMOS or CCD), which can feature highphotosensitivity and low noise, disposed on the image surface 18 of theimaging camera driving module 1 to provide higher image quality.

The image stabilizer 74, such as an accelerometer, a gyro sensor and aHall Effect sensor, is configured to work with the driving mechanism 16to provide optical image stabilization (01S). The driving mechanism 16working with the image stabilizer 74 is favorable for compensating forpan and tilt of the lens unit 13 to reduce blurring associated withmotion during exposure. In some cases, the compensation can be providedby electronic image stabilization (EIS) with image processing software,thereby improving image quality while in motion or low-light conditions.

The present disclosure is not limited to the image capturing unit 70 inFIG. 23 . FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another image capturing unitaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the imagecapturing unit 70 further includes a flash module 61, which can beactivated for light supplement when capturing images to improve imagequality.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of still another image capturing unitaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the imagecapturing unit 70 further includes a focus assist module 62 configuredto detect an object distance to achieve fast auto focusing. The lightbeam emitted from the focus assist module 62 can be either conventionalinfrared or laser.

4th Embodiment

Please refer to FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 . FIG. 26 is one perspective view ofan electronic device according to the 4th embodiment of the presentdisclosure, FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the electronic devicein FIG. 26 , and FIG. 28 is a block diagram of the electronic device inFIG. 26 .

In this embodiment, an electronic device 60 is a smartphone includingthe image capturing unit 70 disclosed in the 3rd embodiment, an imagesignal processor 63, a user interface 64 and an image software processor65. In this embodiment, the image capturing unit 70 includes the imagingcamera driving module 1, the image sensor 73, the image stabilizer 74,the flash module 61 and the focus assist module 62.

When a user captures images of an object 66, the light rays converge inthe image capturing unit 70 to generate an image(s), and the flashmodule 61 is activated for light supplement. The focus assist module 62detects the object distance of the imaged object 66 to achieve fast autofocusing. The image signal processor 63 is configured to optimize thecaptured image to improve image quality. The light beam emitted from thefocus assist module 62 can be either conventional infrared or laser. Theuser interface 64 can be a touch screen or have a physical shutterbutton. The user is able to interact with the user interface 64 and theimage software processor 65 having multiple functions to capture imagesand complete image processing. The image processed by the image softwareprocessor 65 can be displayed on the user interface 64.

The electronic device of the present disclosure is not limited to thenumber of image capturing units as described above. FIG. 29 is aperspective view of another electronic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. An electronic device 60 a issimilar to the electronic device 60, and the electronic device 60 afurther includes an image capturing unit 70 a and an image capturingunit 70 b. The image capturing unit 70, the image capturing unit 70 aand the image capturing unit 70 b all face the same direction and eachhas a single focal point. In addition, the image capturing unit 70, theimage capturing unit 70 a and the image capturing unit 70 b havedifferent fields of view (e.g., the image capturing unit 70 a is atelephoto image capturing unit, the image capturing unit 70 b is awide-angle image capturing unit, and the image capturing unit 70 has afield of view ranging between the image capturing unit 70 a and theimage capturing unit 70 b), such that the electronic device 60 a hasvarious magnification ratios so as to meet the requirement of opticalzoom functionality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image capturingunit 70 further includes an expansion image signal processor 76. Whenthe image capturing unit 70 works with the telephoto image capturingunit 70 a and wide-angle image capturing unit 70 b, the expansion imagesignal processor 76 provides zoom functionality for images on the touchscreen so as to meet image processing requirements for multiple imagecapturing units. The electronic device 60 a equipped with the imagecapturing unit 70 has various modes of different photographingfunctions, such as zoom function, telephotography, multi-camerarecording, selfie-optimized function, and high dynamic range (HDR) and4K resolution imaging under low-light conditions.

The smartphone in this embodiment is only exemplary for showing theimaging camera driving modules 1 and 3 of the present disclosureinstalled in an electronic device, and the present disclosure is notlimited thereto. The imaging camera driving modules 1 and 3 can beoptionally applied to optical systems with a movable focus. Furthermore,the imaging camera driving modules 1 and 3 features good capability inaberration corrections and high image quality, and can be applied to 3D(three-dimensional) image capturing applications, in products such asdigital cameras, mobile devices, digital tablets, smart televisions,network surveillance devices, dashboard cameras, vehicle backup cameras,multi-camera devices, image recognition systems, motion sensing inputdevices, wearable devices and other electronic imaging devices.

The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. It is to be noted thatthe present disclosure shows different data of the differentembodiments; however, the data of the different embodiments are obtainedfrom experiments. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the disclosure and its practicalapplications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the disclosure and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Theembodiments depicted above and the appended drawings are exemplary andare not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging camera driving module, comprising: alens unit, comprising: an imaging lens assembly, having an optical axis;a driving mechanism, wherein at least a part of the driving mechanism iscoupled to the lens unit, and the driving mechanism is configured todrive the lens unit to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis;a sensing mechanism, comprising: a plurality of sensing magnets, fixedto the lens unit, wherein at least a part of the lens unit is locatedbetween the plurality of sensing magnets and the driving mechanism, andthe plurality of sensing magnets are blocked by the at least a part ofthe lens unit from facing the driving mechanism; and a plurality ofsensing elements, disposed on an image side of the imaging lens assemblyand on an image side of the plurality of sensing magnets, wherein eachof the plurality of sensing elements is disposed corresponding to one ofthe plurality of sensing magnets, and each of the plurality of sensingelements is configured to detect a relative position of the sensingmagnet corresponding thereto; and an image surface, having a centralaxis, wherein the image surface is disposed on the image side of theimaging lens assembly, and the optical axis of the imaging lens assemblypasses through the image surface; wherein a minimum distance in parallelwith the central axis from one of the plurality of sensing magnets tothe sensing element corresponding thereto is Da, and the followingcondition is satisfied:0 mm≤Da≤0.93 mm.
 2. The imaging camera driving module of claim 1,wherein the imaging lens assembly comprises a plurality of optical lenselements, the plurality of optical lens elements comprise amaximum-diameter lens element, an outer diameter of the maximum-diameterlens element is larger than outer diameters of other optical lenselements, the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element is ϕD,and the following condition is satisfied:6 mm<ϕD<20 mm.
 3. The imaging camera driving module of claim 2, whereina number of the plurality of sensing magnets is two, the outer diameterof the maximum-diameter lens element is ϕD, a minimum distance betweenthe two sensing magnets is d, and the following condition is satisfied:ϕD<d.
 4. The imaging camera driving module of claim 3, wherein theminimum distance between the two sensing magnets is d, the outerdiameter of the maximum-diameter lens element is ϕD, and the followingcondition is satisfied:0.05 mm<(d−ϕD)/2<1.0 mm.
 5. The imaging camera driving module of claim3, wherein the minimum distance between the two sensing magnets is d,the outer diameter of the maximum-diameter lens element is ϕD, and thefollowing condition is satisfied:0.05 mm≤(d−ϕD)/2≤0.8 mm.
 6. The imaging camera driving module of claim1, wherein the plurality of sensing magnets respectively overlap theplurality of sensing elements in a direction parallel to the opticalaxis.
 7. The imaging camera driving module of claim 1, wherein thedriving mechanism comprises at least one driving magnet and at least onecoil, the at least one driving magnet and the at least one coil aredisposed corresponding to each other, the driving mechanism drives thelens unit to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis by adriving force generated between the at least one driving magnet and theat least one coil, and one of the at least one driving magnet and the atleast one coil is coupled to the lens unit.
 8. The imaging cameradriving module of claim 7, wherein the plurality of sensing magnets andthe at least one coil are alternatively disposed in a circumferentialdirection about the optical axis.
 9. The imaging camera driving moduleof claim 7, wherein the plurality of sensing magnets overlap the atleast one coil in a direction parallel to the optical axis.
 10. Theimaging camera driving module of claim 1, wherein a height in parallelwith the central axis of each of the plurality of sensing elements is h,and the following condition is satisfied:0.01 mm<h<0.9 mm.
 11. The imaging camera driving module of claim 10,wherein the minimum distance in parallel with the central axis from eachof the plurality of sensing magnets to the sensing element correspondingthereto is Da, the height in parallel with the central axis of each ofthe plurality of sensing elements is h, and the following condition issatisfied:0.01<Da/h≤4.0.
 12. The imaging camera driving module of claim 1, whereina shape of one side of the lens unit facing toward an image side ispolygonal.
 13. The imaging camera driving module of claim 12, whereinthe side of the lens unit facing toward the image side is polygon-shapedwith chamfered corners.
 14. The imaging camera driving module of claim13, wherein the lens unit has at least two gate traces, and the at leasttwo gate traces are respectively located at the chamfered corners. 15.An electronic device, comprising: the imaging camera driving module ofclaim 1.